The Disney Dining Plan is a great way to keep your family on budget during your trip and eat some great meals. When many first hear the word, Quick Service, they automatically think fast-food- such a burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. I’m here to show you my Top 10 (in no particular order!) favorite locations throughout the Walt Disney World Parks that will give you more than your basic fare and keep your bellies happy!

2. Be Our Guest (in Fantasyland)- This is probably my top choice because you can not beat the food or the atmosphere. And now that you can make reservations for this Quick Service lunch AND pre-select your meal so it’s brought to you, you will definitely feel like a Princess or Beast (Prince!) while dining in this castle. Upscale sandwich options and desserts make this menu a winner!!

3. Columbia Harbour House (in Liberty Square)- Sometimes you just get hungry for a good salad, or light sandwich, or something from the sea. Columbia Harbour House has all of that plus lots of seating on two levels to cool off and enjoy a quick, yet relaxing meal.

Epcot:

4. Sunshine Seasons (in the Land Pavilion)- So many choices present themselves here that it’s sometimes hard to narrow down a choice! Kids of all ages will enjoy healthier options here including oak-grilled chicken and fish, along with seasonal soups.

5. Liberty Inn (in American Adventure)- American favorites, such as New York Strip Steak, Louisiana-style Shrimp, and Maryland Crab Cakes make an appearance at this large, colonial eatery. Don’t forget the Apple Pie for dessert!

6. Lotus Blossom Cafe (in China)- Chinese favorite, such as Orange Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Egg Rolls can be found to satisfy any sized hunger while traveling around the world. I highly recommend the lychee ice cream for dessert!!

Animal Kingdom:

7. Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe (in Asia)- Ahhh, Yak & Yeti, how I love thee!! And the Local Foods Cafe does not disappoint when you are looking for a yummy quick meal. The Korean Stir-fry Barbecue Chicken is one of my faves, leaving me full for my expedition up Mt. Everest or dodging the Kali River Rapids.

8. Flame Tree BBQ (in Discovery Island)- Currently undergoing refurbishment until April 22, this Quick Service location will surely fill you up. BBQ slathered ribs and chicken are hearty portions and if you can’t decide which one to get, then go for the combo that has both!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

9. ABC Commissary (in Commissary Lane)- A variety of salads and combo meals, consisting of land and sea favorites, make for a well rounded menu at this quick spot. After, you are ready to get back into the action.

10. Studio Catering Company (in Streets of America)- Unique sandwich options make up a robust menu that keeps your taste buds wanting more. Deli favorites are given a sophisticated twist.

There are many other great Quick Service locations and I would LOVE to hear your favorites that did not make my list!!

I recently shared with you my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences in the theme parks. Now I’m back to give you a peak at my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences at the resorts! We tend to eat at resorts a lot just because I think it give more flexibility when planning a trip (it doesn’t matter what park I’m at I can still eat at any resort and they are just a boat ride, bus ride or monorail ride away!).

1. Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort): Located just a short walk from Epcot, Yachtsman Steakhouse is a Signature Dining experience you don’t want to miss! Between the delicious food and elegant atmosphere, this is my go-to pick for a fun adult’s only date night while visiting Walt Disney World. As the name implies, it is a steakhouse so of course the steak options are my top pick (the 32 oz Porterhouse is on my Bucket List!) but all of their offerings are delicious (like the Truffle Macaroni and Cheese). As with other Signature Restaurants, their menu does change seasonally which I love! Again, since this is a Signature Dining experience it will use 2 Table Service Credits for the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

2. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): Before your meal even begins you will be whisked to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort by private elevator. Once inside you’ll be treated to a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Floridian woodlands and Cinderella’s Castle. And if you like sushi, California Grill is where you will find, in my opinion, the best sushi in all of Walt Disney World! The Spicy Kazan Roll is sure to please and the Pork Belly Nigiri is a fun twist on traditional sushi. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to choose from including the Oak-fired Filet of Beef and the Braised Lamb Hind Shank. And of course, if you can time it right, you can watch Wishes over Magic Kingdom from inside the restaurant. It’s something everyone should get to see once! This is a Signature Dining experience and uses 2 Table Service Credits from the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

3. Cape May Cafe (Disney’s Beach Club Resort): This is probably my favorite of all the buffets at Walt Disney World. Serving both breakfast and dinner, either meal is sure to please. Join Goofy, Donald and Minnie in their beach gear for a fun and delicious character breakfast that is sure to please. In the evening you are invited to a good ole fashioned clambake with a seafood buffet and other amazing dishes including some amazing pasta creations. If we can we try to visit Cape May for both breakfast and dinner during our trip.

4. ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Resort): This all you care to enjoy restaurant is full of Polynesian flair! While breakfast is pretty standard fare, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, breakfast meat and waffles, dinner pays tribute the island inspiration of both ‘Ohana and the Polynesian Resort. The Sweet and Sour Pour and Honey-Corriander Chicken Wings are amazing but the meal’s star is the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode with Bananas-Caramel Sauce. Breakfast is a character meal featuring Lilo and Stitch while dinner guests are entertained with family games, storytelling and music.

5. Whispering Canyon (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge): Whispering Canyon is anything but quiet! If you’re looking for a fun, family meal this is the place for you. The food is good (the Build Your Own Family Platter is my recommendation for sure!) and the services is great, with a snarky twist! Try a refillable (yes, refillable!) milkshake and don’t forget to ask for Ketchup! And make sure you take in the beauty that is Wilderness Lodge. It is my favorite resort to visit and just “take it all in” even if we are staying elsewhere.

6. Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): A trip to Walt Disney World just isn’t complete for my family without a stop at Chef Mickey’s! Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto all decked out in their culinary best for breakfast or dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful – make sure you have your napkins ready to join in on any celebrations that may be going on! The characters are wonderful and this is a great way to spend some time with the Fab 5 in a less hectic setting than the parks. Honestly, I prefer Chef Mickey’s for breakfast over dinner but the dinner menu is good as well. I do think, however, that the character interactions and the atmosphere are the key selling points of this restaurant and the food is slightly above average.

7. Boma (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge): Boma is one of three restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. While all three are amazing, I love the variety the buffet at Boma provides. And there are so many options, even the pickiest of eaters should find something they will like. The African vibe can be felt through the restaurant with the decor and seating. And oh my, the food! The Curried Pasta Salad is a favorite along with the Couscous Salad. There is also always a wide variety of soups and side dishes to choose from. The main dishes and meats, especially the carving station meat, is always full of flavor and delicious. But the favorite for me is the dessert – specifically the Zebra Domes. I’m pretty sure a few of those are worth the entire cost of the buffet in my opinion! They are a must try if you plan to visit Boma.

8. 1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort): Serving both breakfast and dinner buffets, and following in the Victorian theme of the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare provides delicious food, an elegant atmosphere and wonderful character interactions. While at breakfast you may meet characters from Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins or even Peter Pan, dinner is all about Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Tremaine ladies. Overall, I’m a bigger fan of the dinner buffet and I think Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters are some of the best characters to meet. That said, breakfast is a great way to start your day before heading off to a park.

How do your list compare? What did I miss? Share your top picks with us in the comments below!

My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.

]]>http://www.chipandco.com/top-8-walt-disney-world-dining-experiences-resort-edition-206217/feed/0Only Have ONE Day To Spend At Disney With The Family? Then Follow This Planhttp://www.chipandco.com/day-spend-disney-family-follow-plan-206641/
http://www.chipandco.com/day-spend-disney-family-follow-plan-206641/#respondWed, 18 Feb 2015 01:00:01 +0000http://www.chipandco.com/?p=206641 {Read More} ]]>

Did you know that people vacation in Florida at places OTHER than Walt Disney World? Hard to believe, right? Well – it’s true – and Florida actually does have a TON to offer outside of Walt Disney World, but if you are planning to head to the sunshine state for your next family vacation, I highly recommend you try and work some WDW time into your schedule. And don’t worry if you can only spare one day to spend at the Happiest Place On Earth – follow my plan below and you will make it a day to remember:

Plan To Be There The Whole Day: Check out the Park schedules ahead of time to see when your favorite parks open and close – and plan to get there before opening and stay until closing – it may sound nuts, but if you’re going to spend the time driving to the Park, and spend the money on parking, theme park tickets, food, souvenirs, etc – you might as well get your money’s worth and make a full day of it!

Dress For Success: Make sure you are wearing loose, comfortable clothing when you head to WDW – and that includes socks and broken in sneakers (a full day at the Parks in flip flops is NOT something you want to try, trust me!), hats, sunglasses, hoodies, ponchos – basically anything and everything to help protect you against the unpredictable Florida weather

Pack Wisely: Aside from the clothing, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of sunscreen (and that you actually use it – like all day), water bottles, snacks – basically anything that will make your day go more smoothly is a plus – and if you’re crafty you can usually get all of this into one backpack/tote bag (Click here for more info on what to pack for the Parks!)

Don’t Try To Do It All: It’s possible to see all 4 Disney Parks in one day – but it’s not recommended, especially if you have kids or a larger party you’re traveling with. While I do recommend you spring for the Park Hopper option when buying your park tickets, I would try and stick to 2 parks maximum in one day – otherwise you will just get burnt out and we all know that’s when the meltdowns start (for the kids AND the adults!)

Here’s the Itinerary for your one day whirlwind WDW trip:

-Start out your day by arriving at the Magic Kingdom when it opens – and head straight to your top attractions and rides and get those ridden first thing while the waits aren’t too long. Then you can take a breakfast break (a good money saver here would be to bring it with you!), and plan your next move – rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and the People Mover rarely have a long wait and are all good picks for later in the morning once the crowds start to arrive

-Plan to take a bit of a break with a nice sit down lunch – if your family is into characters, then maybe a buffet with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace would be the ticket, or if you have a princess fanatic in your family then a meal fit for royalty awaits you at Cinderella’s Royal Table (where you dine INSIDE the Castle!). There are tons of places to eat, and almost all of the sit down restaurants take Advance Dining Reservations – so be sure you are planning ahead and booking your meal well in advance

-Once the post lunch rush hits and the sun is high and relentless in the sky – you might want to escape and hop a bus over to Downtown Disney – where you can do plenty of shopping at their huge selection of shops, or take in a new release at the AMC movie theater, or do some bowling at Splittsville. It’s a place that’s a lot less fast – paced than the Parks and you can take your time and enjoy something indoors if you wish

This is obviously just a suggestion as to how you might want to structure your Day at Disney – but the overall idea is that you want to see as much as you can without getting burned out. For me, two parks and downtown Disney is the perfect amount – and I like doing the Downtown Disney portion in the middle of the day, it breaks it up a bit better and is more of a break than being at the Parks all day. If you have small children or a larger party, you might want to skip the second park and focus your time on the Magic Kingdom and then dinner and an evening at Downtown Disney – it’s really up to you, but either way, I encourage you to try and come to Disney World whenever you’re in the area – even if it’s only for a day!

Stay tuned right here on ChipAndCo.com next week for ideas on how to spend a Day at Disney World without the kids!

What is the best thing about Valentine’s Day? It’s got to be the sweet treats, right? I mean flowers are nice, but they perish – a delicious meal or dessert at the Happiest Place on Earth is sure to win out over flowers any day! I wish I were going to be at WDW for Valentine’s Day, don’t you?

This article highlights some of the amazing new Valentine’s offerings at Walt Disney World this season.

Princess Tiana said it best: “My mom always said that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If that’s the case, love is all around at Walt Disney World Resort! This week, you’ll find specialty sweets throughout the resort; here are some of our favorites:

Please comment below with which treats you would share with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!

Thank you to Disney Parks Blog for this yummy article that is sure to delight any Valentine’s Day foodie.

I’m Stephanie – Disneyland expert and writer for Chip & Co and Premier Annual Passholder for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. I am also an Annual Passholder for Universal Studios Hollywood. Along with being a huge Walt Disney fan and entertainment junkie, I am an Independent Travel Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred Travel Agency of Chip & Co. When I am not planning my next trip to Disney, you can find me working on various craft projects at home and running my businesses. Who am I kidding – I am always planning my next Disney trip!

Contact me today for your FREE quote for Disney and other magical destinations at stephanie@worldofmagictravel.com. I look forward to helping you make some vacation magic very soon!

I don’t know about you, but this cold wintry weather makes me long for a Walt Disney World vacation more than ever! The wind is howling, the snow is falling, the temperature is dropping…and to make it even worse, I don’t have any WDW trips planned! Talk about seasonal depression! Well, if you’re like me, you can cheer up and WARM up with these Disney DIY Comfort Food Recipes:

I LOVE dining at Boma, and one of the reasons I love it so much is their soup selection – they always have several options, and this chicken corn chowder is one I always hope they will have when I am there!

I hope you’re lucky enough to be traveling to WDW soon so that you can have these amazing comfort foods served to you – but if you’re stuck in the middle of a long winter with no end in sight like I am, then I hope you can use these recipes to create some delicious Magical Disney dishes!

Five of Disneyland Resort Restaurants will be participating in Orange County Restaurant Week. March 1-7, 2015 is going to be the week to visit the Disneyland Resort. Restaurant Week is an event that features 100 of Orange County’s restaurants with special discounted menus

Join Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer with Chipandco.com, for a delicious sampling of Disneyland’s Fab Five Restaurants during the Orange County Restaurant Week. Reservations available by calling (714)781-3463.

Ok, so you’ve just spent a long morning touring atWalt Disney World, and it’s after noon, and you realize – hey, its lunchtime, and I am STARVING! Well, Disney has you covered – there are a TON of great places to grab a quick bite, and they all offer up delicious freshly prepared meals that will help you fuel up and get ready to head back out there! When I am in the Parks, there are certain meals I tend to gravitate towards – so much so that I will even purposely seek them out and plan my days around them! So here they are – My Top 5 Counter Service Meals at Walt Disney World:

1. The Ribs/Chicken combo platter atFlame Tree BBQ – Animal Kingdom is home to this spot that serves up barbeque classics like St. Louis ribs, baked beans, cornbread, smoked chicken, beef, and turkey. The true standout here is the chicken and ribs combo – ¼ rack smoked ribs and ¼ rotisserie chicken served up with coleslaw and baked beans. The meats are smoked on site and are juicy and flavorful, and the sides pair with it perfectly! You can grab some BBQ sauce from the condiment station for dipping, or just dig right in as is – either way, it’s a delicious choice

2. The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf atWolfgang Puck Express – If you’ve spent the day shopping your heart out at Downtown Disney and are desperate for a break and a meal, then I highly suggest you head over to Wolfgang Puck Express for a more “upscale” counter service dining experience! With items like Rotisserie chicken, spaghetti Bolognese, assorted pizzas and a large selection of salads and sandwiches – you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy here! The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is served on a bed of mashed potatoes and it’s drizzled with a port wine sauce and topped with crispy onion straws. The combination of flavors from the different elements – the moist meat with the salty bacon crust, the creamy potatoes with a sweet sauce and the onions – it all makes for one amazing meal

3. Oak Grilled Rotisserie Chicken atSunshine Seasons – You can smell (and see!) the chickens roasting as soon as you walk into the food court style restaurant in Epcot – they are roasted throughout the day and the meal is served with black beans and yellow rice. The chicken itself is moist and full of flavor, and the mild spice of the rice is the perfect accompaniment. The chicken is great here – but I recommend saving room for dessert too – strawberry shortcake is the winner here, layers of moist shortcake and fresh whipped cream and berries – yum! Other options here are plentiful – Asian dishes, sandwiches/salad/soup, cheesecake, cookies and key lime pie for dessert – and they serve a hot breakfast too!

4. Tacos fromLa Cantina De San Angel – Choose from “Carne or Pollo” (beef or chicken) filled tacos served on freshly made corn tortillas with fresh chips on the side (my mouth is literally watering just thinking about it now). You must pair the tacos with a delicious margarita (it’s the law) – available in frozen or on the rocks varieties. Not in the mood for tacos? How about nachos, or cheese empanadas, or guacamole and chips – it’s all available here in Epcot’s Mexico – and it’s all worth trying

5. Hot dog and French Fries fromCasey’s Corner – This meal won’t win any awards for being fancy, but its classic and delicious, and really hits the spot after a long day of fun in the Park. A plump hot dog and fresh hot fries will satisfy almost any picky kid (or adult!) and you can spice it up with their chili cheese dog or BBQ slaw dog options too. Or maybe some corn dog nuggets? And they can all be dipped in the available “plastic cheese” (aka nacho/liquid cheese) – which is a huge plus. If you’re lucky enough to be able to grab a table outside the restaurant you’ll enjoy people watching and maybe even get to see the parade go by on Main Street!

I have to make sure that the runner-up is mentioned to – pretty much anything from the Earl Of Sandwich in Downtown Disney will make for a delicious meal – I am partial to the holiday sandwich (stuffed with turkey and stuffing!), but there are tons of options available – roast beef, ham, buffalo chicken – and they are all made on rolls baked fresh daily

I would love to know your thoughts – as clearly these are only my opinions (and clearly I also have a strong preference for Disney Meat?) – so what are YOUR top Counter Service Meal Choices at WDW?

When I start planning my next Walt Disney World vacation, one of the first things I think about is “Where am I going to eat?!” Some of my favorite memories at WDW have happened sitting around a table sharing food with my friends and family. There are some really great options when it comes to dining at the Walt Disney World theme parks.

8. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): For me this one is all about the warm and cozy atmosphere! The decor may seem a little wacky but it reminds of my aunt’s house when I was growing up. The food is classic Italian cuisine. I’m a big fan of the Chicken Parmesan and the Penne a la Vodka is amazing with a bacon-y, creamy tomato sauce. I find the portion sizes to be really generous – definitely worth the cost.

7. Crystal Palace (Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom): This is one of my favorite character meals in the theme parks. I love eating with Pooh and the rest of my friends from Hundred Acre Woods! This is an all you can eat buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the food at lunch and dinner is good, I think this is the prefect place to enjoy breakfast. From Mickey Waffles, to eggs to fruit, there is something for everyone to enjoy – even the little guests! Plus, if you can get a reservation before rope drop you’ll get into Magic Kingdom before the crowds and can get one of those amazing shots in front of Cinderella’s Castle without the crowds.

6. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): It’s like a trip back in time to the 1950’s: from retro decor, classic home-cooked entrees and a wait staff that is sure to keep you on your toes! The menu is comfort food at it’s finest – I’d suggest trying A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes which includes crispy fried chicken, fork tender pot roast and traditional meatloaf with all the fixings! Another favorite is the Chicken Pot Pie with a creamy filling and flaky crust. And no meal at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is complete without a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake. Just make sure to clean your plate or Mom might have to come out and take away your TV privileges!

5. Liberty Tree Tavern (Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom) This all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner is like a Thanksgiving feast any time of the year. The Patriot’s Platter, which includes roasted turkey breast, carved beef and sliced pork with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, herb stuffing and mac and cheese, is served family style for your whole table. The decor, which is Classic Colonial feels like “old school Disney” to me – it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Orlando, Florida in the 21st century! Lunch is served a la carte with a menu that includes New England Pot Roast and the Pilgrim’s Feast (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and vegetables).

4. Tusker House (Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom) Take an African Safari with Donald Duck and some of his pals! This buffet style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (with the characters visiting for breakfast and lunch only). The themeing of this restaurant is just incredible! The seating area is set up as as the offices and waiting rooms of a Safari Company. They are certainly not lacking in the attention to details department! If you have a few moments take a walk around and check out all of the little touches. The food is incredible. While I love breakfast I’m going to have to suggest you check out Tusker House for lunch! The buffet offers both African and American Cuisine. I am a big fan of the Potato and Pea Samosas and all of the rice dishes they serve. The Kenyan Coffee BBQ Pork Loin is probably my number one choice on the menu! The sauce is amazing – I’m dying for the recipe! And as always, don’t forget to check out the many dessert options.

3.Le Cellier (Canada Pavilion, Epcot) Epcot is home to many amazing places to eat. Depending on the type of food you like, there is certainly something for every taste. Le Cellier is known for their steaks. And the Cheddar Cheese Soup. I could eat several bowls of that and be good for the rest of the day! The atmosphere is upscale wine cellar-esque, although this is one restaurant that doesn’t scream theme like many others at Walt Disney World do. One thing to note, Le Cellier is a Signature Dining restaurant and will cost you 2 Table Service credits off of the Disney Dining Plan.

2. Garden Grill(The Land Pavilion, Epcot) Dinner with Chip ‘n Dale and Friends in a revolving restaurant that passes by scenes from the Living with the Land attraction – what could be better! This is one of my favorite dining experience in all of Walt Disney World. The all-you-care-to enjoy meal is served family style and consists of Char-grilled Filet of Beef, Roasted Turkey Breast, and a Fish of the Day with mashed potatoes and garden fresh vegetables. Honestly, if I could only eat at one place in all of the WDW theme parks, it would probably be Garden Grill!

1.Be Our Guest (New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom) This is one of the hottest, if not the hottest place to eat in all of WDW right now – both table service dinner and quick service lunch. Who wouldn’t want to eat in the Beast’s Castle after all! There are three dining rooms, the Ballroom, the West Wing and the Library all of which are dripping with Disney touches! The lunch menu has salad, soup and sandwich options while the dinner menu boasts Herb Crusted Lamb and Pan Seared Salmon on Leek Fondue. Both meals offer “the grey stuff” for dessert – which you really should try because the dishes say it’s delicious!

Would you add any theme park restaurant to the list of must try places to eat at Walt Disney World? Make sure and let us know if you think there are restaurants missing from our list.

My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.

How daring have you been while eating at Walt Disney World? Are you the adventurous type who tries everything and anything? Or are you more conservative and stick with what you know and like?

We created this Disney Food Challenge to see where exactly you fall on the Disney World Food Addict Chart. Keep score how many you have tried and at the end you will be graded on how you have done.

Please note while I would love to list every item at Disney World it would be impossible. These are just some of the Signature Items at the Walt Disney World theme park that I think most people are familiar with.

1-25 – Disney Noobie: You need to be a bit more adventurous and really branch out at Disney World. Try new things, use those snack credits to their fullest.

26 – 50 – Disney Foodie in Training – Getting better. You probably have kids and are stuck visiting the Buffets every visit. You drool over Disney Food Photos and have a mental checklist of things you want to try.

51 – 75 – Disney Foodie – You have been around the park. You know what you like and try to get out and try new things all the time. You probably blog about Disney or fill your Facebook wall with articles from Chip and Co or Disney Food Blog

76 – 100 – Disney Food Addict – Someone get this person a Dole Whip cause you have earned it! You are the Elite! People come to you when they have food questions. We need for you to join us on the site and blog about Disney Food for a living!

Another year, another family vacation to plan! There are plenty of places to go on vacation, and all of them are great for their own reasons – but as a new year is upon us, maybe you should consider a new place to vacation? Maybe you’re a Walt Disney World pro who has never been to the Mouse on the other side – Disneyland in California that is! Disneyland is amazing for so many reasons – it’s the place where the Magic truly began – and it’s changed a lot over the years, expanding and re-vamping to fit the ever changing public’s needs and wants. They are doing some seriously amazing things there, and they are definitely worth checking out. Here are some reasons why you need to head to California for some sun, fun, and the Mouse this year:

Something Different: For those who frequent WDW, you’re in for a real treat when you head to Disneyland – the best way I can think to describe it is the same Magic, but on a smaller scale. For me, walking into Disneyland Park (aka the Magic Kingdom) and seeing the view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is even more magical than seeing the same view at WDW – and the reason is because Disneyland truly is the land that Walt built – he had a say in every nail and bolt that was used, and he was there to welcome everyone on opening day. Some differences I noticed at Disneyland had to do a lot with the size limitations – it’s a LOT smaller than Walt Disney World, but it doesn’t have an overly crowded feeling which is nice. The queues for the rides are largely outside (probably because California weather tends to be just a bit better than Florida’s!), and it does have some different attractions and rides – check out the full list here

California Adventure Offers Unique Experiences: Disneyland offers two theme Parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – which was recently overhauled to bring in even more new rides and dining options! The idea behind the park itself is to pay tribute to those who founded and cultivated the state of California into the amazing place it is today – the natives, immigrants, entrepreneurs, entertainers – all of them had a part in the creation of the “Golden State”, and the park celebrates them all and their diversity. Take a bakery tour, experience California Screamin’ (a steel roller coaster located on Paradise Pier), ride King Triton’s Carousel, or take a spin on Mickey’s fun wheel (the Park’s giant Mickey-headed ferris wheel!). There are A Bug’s Life themed attractions, and plenty of dining options too – all of which feature California specialties. Speaking of dining…

Delicious New Dining Options To Explore: Ok, we all know that one of the best parts of WDW is the FOOD, and Disneyland has some truly exceptional dining spots too! Disneyland Park is home to the Jolly Holiday Bakery – with its Mary Poppins theme and bakery case full of mouth-watering items like cupcakes, tarts, cheesecake, brownies and more! For some New Orleans themed dishes like gumbo and Mickey shaped beignets, head over to Café Orleans, or enjoy a more formal sit down meal at Blue Bayou. While at Disney California Adventure, you can grab a (locally brewed!) beer at Bayside Brews, a quick meal at Pacific Wharf Café (which features fresh baked goods and an awesome waterside view!), or enjoy a relaxing sit down meal at Wine Country Trattoria – where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine created with fresh local ingredients and a large selection of Napa Valley wines

Cars Land: When Disney re-vamped California Adventure, one thing they added was the Cars Land section – which is themed after (you guessed it!) the Disney/Pixar Cars movies, and as you enter Radiator Springs you take a stroll down route 66 and right into the movie! You’ll see familiar movie landmarks like the Cozy Cone Motel, Flo’s V8 Café, and Mater’s Junkyard. Take a ride on the Radiator Springs Racers (Fastpass HIGHLY recommended for this one!), a scenic ride that ends with a thrilling car race, meet up with the Cars characters at the Cozy Cone, and enjoy some delicious comfort food at Flo’s. The opening of this section of the Park has caused quite a stir- and with good reason, its fun and entertaining for those of all ages!

There’s So Much Nearby To Explore: I mentioned how Disneyland can feel a bit smaller than its Florida counterpart, and that is because Disneyland is smack dab in the heart of Anaheim, and it’s not alone – there’s TONS of stuff nearby that is just a short walk/drive/shuttle away: Flight Deck Air Combat Center (an authentic military flight simulation center), Discovery Science Center (with over 100 interactive science exhibits!), Knott’s Berry Farm (an awesome theme park known for its rides and pies!), and Medieval Times (where you can travel back to the Middle Ages as you watch sword fights and jousting matches!). And those are just a FEW of the attractions nearby (they are all less than 10 miles away from Disneyland), there are plenty more, and if you plan on renting a car, then Los Angeles attractions are well within your reach too

Disneyland is a VERY different place compared to Walt Disney World, but to me the differences are what make it great – and they are what make me want to go back ASAP! I highly recommend you plan a family vacation to the West Coast and while you’re there, be sure to make plans to visit the original Happiest Place On Earth – Disneyland!

Hello all! It is your favorite friendly neighborhood gossip columnist! I have some more juicy gossip for the foodies out there! A little birdie told me that Pizzafari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will soon be adding Table Service to their dining experience. So nothing is official yet but it seems very likely.

In case you have never been to Pizzafari, it is a quick/counter service type of place. It is a pretty big place and the food is typical quick service type of food!

There is no word on exactly how this addition will happen. Will they build an addition? Will they use the space they already have? Who knows, but we shall see. You know as soon as we know you will know!

Animal Kingdom has been making some additions and changes and more changes are coming. The Avatar land and a nighttime version of the safari and my personal favorite a new Starbucks! Just to name a few. I think the additions and changes are something that Animal Kingdom needed.

What do you think?

Anywho, that is all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my facebook page.

Ok, so as an adult I know I should be slightly ashamed to admit the following statement (but I’m not, so here it goes): I LOVE CHARACTER MEALS – they are honestly my favorite part of my Walt Disney World trips. For those of you who don’t know, a character meal is pretty self-explanatory – you enjoy a meal while characters from your favorite Disney movies and shows circulate for meet and greets! Not sold on the idea? Well – here’s 5 reasons why character meals are the best – in case you need more convincing:

1. SO MANY to choose from: Disney World offers a BIG variety of character meals to choose from, and they are always looking at what characters are popular and adding/changing the lineup to best suit their guests! You can dine with the “fab five” – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto at Chef Mickey’s (where they all wear chef’s hats and aprons!), or treat your little Princess to a royal meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table where you dine in the Castle with Snow White, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella too! Other character choices include Lilo and Stitch, Winnie The Pooh and friends, Chip and Dale (dresses as farmers!) and many more!

2. The Characters Come To YOU: How many times have you waited in line in the hot sun to get a picture with you or your kid’s favorite character? Those lines can be brutal – specifically I am thinking of the 4+ hour wait to see Elsa and Anna right now at WDW – and can eat up entire days if you’re not careful. Character meals are the perfect solution to this – you get to multitask in a major way – you enjoy a meal while multiple characters come right to your table, no waiting in line required

3. Drool-Worthy Food: The characters may be the main attraction at these meals, but we can’t forget about the FOOD – you can get some seriously delicious eats at character meals. Many are served buffet style – where you can sample from a large variety of dishes and enjoy as much as you want, while others are served “family style” – which means platters of food are brought directly to your table and you can have as many refills as you want of all the dishes from the pre-determined menu (family style is especially nice for parents of younger kids – since they bring the food right to you, you might actually be able to enjoy the meal and not have to be running back and forth to the buffet 20 times!). Other locations offer a more traditional sit down meal with a menu full of yummy options. Some of my family’s personal favorites include the prime rib from the dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Pooh’s Breakfast Lasagna from the Crystal Palace, and the dessert selection at Chef Mickey’s (especially the self-serve ice cream bar!)

4. Large Locations: Many of the character meals are served in large restaurants with many tables, which allows them to seat more people at once, and also makes it easier for you to get an ADR for these meals too! Some of them are extremely popular, so I definitely recommend being willing to eat at an “off” time if possible –a 10am breakfast or a 2pm lunch would mean lighter crowds and possibly more time with your favorite characters

5. Perfect For Those Of All Ages: Kids and adults all love characters – getting hugs, photos, and autographs is just as much of a thrill for me now as it was when I was 5 – and it really makes you feel young at heart! It’s a great activity for the whole family, and a great opportunity to get some awesome family photos. Even a 1 year olds face lights up when Mickey comes by to give them a hug, and parents and grandparents love posing for photos just as much as the kids – so don’t let age deter you from enjoying the awesome experiences that character meals can offer

I’m sure some of you are like me and plan your entire trip around which character meals you will be attending, but for those who aren’t sure what to expect or if a character meal would work for you and your family, I hope these reasons help you decide to go for it – you can’t go wrong with Disney character meals!

One of the best parts of Disney World is the amazing food. Here is a list of just some of the yummy food you can find across the Disney World Resort.

You may recognize the pic above, that’s right it’s the infamous Tonga Toast. I have been a Disney Addict for years but just recently tried it and wow is it good. You can find this at the Polynesian Resort. It is deep-fried banana-stuffed sourdough French toast rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Crispy Fried Chicken at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Pioneer Hall, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. On the menu since the dinner show opened in 1974, servers dish up about 900 pounds of fried chicken every night, and cooks spend about six hours each day just breading the chicken. Add 400 pounds of pork ribs, 120 pounds of corn, 400 pounds of mashed potatoes and 30 gallons of baked beans. Three shows nightly.

Strawberry-Chicken Salad, Plaza Inn, Magic Kingdom. This simple, yet delicious salad has been tossed every day since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Forget hot dogs and hamburgers, fans head to this little restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A., for a generous bowl of greens with grilled chicken breast, strawberries and Gorgonzola with white zinfandel vinaigrette. And you can end with a classic banana split or hot fudge sundae. Open daily for lunch and dinner. It’s healthy and it tastes good!

Cheddar Cheese Soup, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canada pavilion, Epcot World Showcase. One of the most-requested recipes is for this creamy bowl of soup that’s made with Canadian beer, cheddar and Applewood-smoked bacon. It’s so popular that it’s also now a mainstay on the menu at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Canada Marketplace. Le Cellier Steakhouse is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Creamy Lobster Soup, Coral Reef Restaurant, Epcot. With an amazing view of a coral reef with sharks, turtles, rays and fish (the largest inland saltwater environment ever built), the menu at this Future World restaurant changes often to reflect the seasons and sustainable seafood. But the Creamy Lobster Soup has never left the menu, an indulgent starter with fresh tarragon and a splash of Brandy. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Classic American comfort food and 1950s kitsch make this a favorite stop for families, with a menu that reflects the theme: pork chops, chicken pot pie, meatloaf. But it’s Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast that’s received the most praise since the restaurant opened in 1989. The slow-cooked beef is served with garlic mashed potatoes, brown gravy, carrots, celery and onions. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Cobb Salad, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This salad was iconic before it was even on the menu at the Disney re-creation of the historic California restaurant. As the story goes, Brown Derby owner Bob Cobb tossed the first version for a late-night snack for a Tinsel Town movie star. The Disney version sticks to the original with finely chopped greens, turkey breast, eggs, blue cheese, bacon and avocado. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper, Flying Fish Cafe, Disney’s BoardWalk. While the chefs at Flying Fish Cafe cook with seasonality and sustainability in mind, this elegant dish has never left the menu since opening day in 1996. Fresh snapper is wrapped in thinly sliced potatoes, then pan-fried until crisp and golden. The fish is served over a rich leek fondue with veal glace de viande and red wine-cassis butter reduction. Open daily for dinner.

Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon, Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. You can smell the roasting cedar planks when you walk enter the spacious dining room that pays homage to America’s national park lodges. The menu incorporates tastes from coast to coast, but the most-ordered entrée is the Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon served with seasonal vegetables, on the menu since opening day in 1994. Open daily for dinner.

I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. Wouldn’t you love to taste your way around the Disney World Resort. I can make that a reality. Contact me at maria@worldofmagictravel.com, for your FREE no obligation quote.

Here is a little back-story on the theme of the new restaurant. “The Trattoria al Forno story was inspired by the authentic Italian menu and the rich storytelling of the turn-of-the-century boardwalk setting,” says Missy Renard, Walt Disney Imagineering resorts art director.

The new restaurant, which is on the Boardwalk, is arranged as a series of separate rooms, starting with the original Entrata, or entrance, where the story begins. An arched brick wall with an aged keystone medallion anchors the room and introduces the traditional building materials used throughout the restaurant. Along the back wall, a custom wine cabinet displays authentic regional wines offered on the menu. Vintage family photos line the walls and introduce the generational story. The color palette throughout is inspired by the fresh ingredients used to make the flavorful dishes.

The first room, the Cucina, is designed as the eat-in kitchen for the boarding house guests. The forno, or oven, with its rustic wood mantle and copper hood, is the centerpiece. Next is the Sala da Pranzo, the formal dining room, which showcases the family’s fine silver, glassware and eclectic china in a grand hutch, with two crystal chandeliers above in the vaulted ceiling.

“The finishes are more opulent – carpet, draperies, settee-style seating and a communal table in front of the show kitchen,” says Renard.

The Sala da Pranzo leads into Salotto, or living room, of the old boarding house, now a dining area with tufted circular booths and upholstered chairs, and photos of vintage Italian market scenes decorating the walls. Finally, the Taverna is a secluded dining area located in the structure’s original tavern, where the mirrored back bar still hangs in front of exposed brick walls.

“The three main dining rooms are open to the show kitchen and to each other, but the styling differences in each create individual dining experiences,” says Renard. “The result is a combination of intimate and lively dining spaces with a tailored progression of storytelling.”

Check out the yummy food and beautiful interior:

It features authentic flavors of Italy’s diverse regions – wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, hand-crafted mozzarella, imported charcuterie and cheese and a 100 percent Italian wine list – Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is inspired by farms in the Italian countryside with an open kitchen and family-friendly dining rooms. You will find, Italian Classic cuisine, Italian style breakfast, along with wines and cocktails.

I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. Would you like to visit the beautiful Boardwalk Resort and taste some amazing Italian food? I would love to help you plan a magical vacation. Contact me at maria@worldofmagictravel.com, for your FREE no obligation quote.

It’s not always easy being an adult Walt Disney World lover. When I tell people I am headed to Disney World on my next vacation, I get that weird look, that one that says “really? What a weirdo”…usually it only lasts a second, and they say something like “Oh, that’s nice” when what they really mean is “that’s for kids…I wouldn’t want to go there”. In these situations, I usually try and be a Disney cheerleader, rallying for Team WDW, and I have come up with this list of things that are so unique, that you can only get them at Walt Disney World:

The Service: The employees of Disney World (they call them Cast Members or CM’s) provide the highest level of service I have ever experienced. They are friendly, polite, helpful, and most of all, they actually seem to really like their jobs. They will bend over backwards to make sure you have an amazing time, and that is truly special, and something you don’t see much of these days.

The Food: Most theme parks keep it simple with burgers, fries, and other fried items. Not Walt Disney World, where you can sample authentic cuisine from 11 different countries at Epcot’s World Showcase, feast on a AAA 5 diamond rated meal at Victoria and Albert’s, or grab a giant turkey leg in the Magic Kingdom. Everything they sell tastes fresh and is prepared with meticulous attention to flavors and the result is out of this world! Oh, and in case you’re in the mood, WDW has those burgers and fries too, and they taste amazing.

The Accommodations: Disney has many different choices of places to stay, all with their own theme. From the Polynesian Resort that’s like living in a luau, to the Coronado Springs Resort where where you can swim in the shadow of a Mayan Temple, to the Boardwalk Resort-where they have a real wooden boardwalk reminiscent of Old Atlantic City (this one is my personal favorite, and is breathtaking at night!)

The Detail: Disney World pays people to create all the experiences in it’s parks and resorts, down to the chair fabrics and napkin designs (they call them Imagineers, which might just be the coolest job ever!). The themes are carried out in every ride, restaurant, hotel room, and swimming pool, and are breathtaking. My favorite example of Imagineering is the Haunted Mansion ride, where you get to ride in a “Doom Buggy” through a truly creepy haunted house (where I still find something new and scary every time I ride it!)

The Experience: This one is a bit harder to put into words, but its that feeling you get when you walk into any of the parks, for me it hits me hardest in the Magic Kingdom, when you gaze down Main Street USA and see Cinderella’s Castle up ahead…and you know that you can have a real vacation, an escape from the pressures of the real world, in a place where you can feel like a carefree kid again.

So next time a non-Disney lover gives you that weird look, let them know about what they are missing. You never know, you might actually convince them to visit the happiest place on earth, and the truth is, they won’t really know until they go.

There are SO MANY dining choices at Walt Disney World, it can be overwhelming and scary to try to answer the question of “what’s for dinner?” Luckily, there is help out there! Follow these tips and you will be sure to have a spectacular dining experience!

Plan ahead: Do your research! I can’t stress this one enough, there are tons of books and websites that have restaurant descriptions, menus, and even pictures so you can know what to expect when you go. Another part of planning ahead would be to make your ADR’s in advance (ADR = Advance Dining Reservations, and Disney allows you to make them up to 180 days prior to your trip). So go online, figure out places you might like to eat, and make a tentative itinerary based on that. A tip on ADR’s would be to have backup choices, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get every single one of your top picks, chances are very good that you will still enjoy whatever you end up eating!

Please note you will need a Credit Card to Make your ADR’s.

Don’t overload: 3 buffets in 1 day? Sounds like a deliciously horrible idea…but I have seen it done (I have personally only done 2 buffets in one day, and even that was too much!). There are a lot of options, and a lot of them are buffets or all you can eat meals, so you will want to take this into consideration when planning your meals. My personal rule of thumb is to book 1 ‘special’ meal per day (be it a buffet or other sit down restaurant), and then let the other meals fall as they may and grab a quick snack or counter service meal whenever we need a break

Ask yourself “Who am I eating with?”: Whether you are dining alone or with a party of 10 people, it’s always important to take people’s tastes into consideration. If you know your father hates seafood, or your kids won’t eat anything other than chicken nuggets, you will want to pick places that accommodate those tastes. Obviously you can’t please everyone all the time, but you can come pretty darn close at Disney – especially with their large number of buffets that offer a large variety of food, where everyone is sure to find something they like

Try something new: Never had *real* French food? Been thinking about giving sushi a try? Go for it, you are on vacation, and Walt Disney World has it all, from the authentic cuisines from countries around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, to plenty of seafood, American, steak, and barbeque options all over the World. And when you go to these new restaurants, don’t be tempted to order the burger or steak just because it’s safe, order that new item whose description intrigued you. No matter what you order, you won’t be sorry

Consider the Disney Dining Plan: It’s easy to use, convenient, and can save you some money if you really use it to its fullest advantage. The snack items you can use it for are marked with a special dining plan symbol at most locations, and as for sit down restaurants, almost all of them in the World participate. The regular dining plan includes 1 Table Service, 1 Counter Service, and 1 Snack per person for each night of your stay. All you have to do is swipe your room key at the checkout, and you’re done, just like that! It is a genius idea, and I am a firm believer in the Disney Dining Plan (check it out for yourself here, and check Disney’s website for participating restaurants and information)

Dining in Disney World is a truly special experience, and if you follow these tips, the food you eat on your WDW vacation won’t serve as mere fuel to keep you going as you tour the parks, but it will be a highlight of your trip and something that keeps you coming back again and again!

Downtown Disney is a shopper’s paradise – the complex offers tons of specialty shops that offer a myriad of unique items for purchase, and there’s also tons of Disney merchandise available too! While there are plenty of chances to give your credit card a workout at Downtown Disney, there are also plenty of other things to do there besides shop. Shocking, right? Let’s explore some of the entertainment options that Downtown Disney has to offer:

Fly High In The Sky:Characters In Flight is an attraction that allows you to fly 400 feet above Disney in the world’s largest tethered helium balloon. If you’ve ever been to Downtown Disney you have probably seen it floating in the air – with the classic Disney characters painted on it – so Aladdin, Tinkerbell, Dumbo and more will be along for the ride too! For approximately 10 minutes you get to check out the amazing 360 degree view of all that is Disney – you can see the Resorts, the Parks, it’s breathtaking and an awesome way to try something totally different

You Won’t Go Hungry: The dining options at Downtown Disney are seriously awesome – you can grab a quick bite at Earl of Sandwich, which serves up sandwiches all day on freshly baked bread (and salads and a killer brownie sandwich too), or enjoy some fresh seafood at Fulton’s Crab House, or head over to my personal favorite eatery in all of Downtown Disney – Raglan Road Irish Pub – where the authentic Irish cuisine will thrill your taste buds – from the Shepherd’s Pie to the fish and chips and the amazing bread pudding – I have not had anything but delicious experiences there! Plus there is a HUGE bar with an extensive beer list, and there’s live Irish music and dancers too – it’s a lively place that you will definitely not want to miss

Enjoy A Unique Cirque Show:“La Nouba” is Cirque Du Soleil’s show that was created just for Walt Disney World, and the term is translated to mean “the party” – and its definitely a party for the eyes and senses! Acrobats, singers, clowns, jugglers, and trapeze artists perform amazing tricks and routines with amazing colors and scenery to see too. There are over 65 performers present that represent 15 different countries – quite the eclectic mix, and the show itself is one you won’t want to miss!

Get Bowled Over AtSplitsville Luxury Lanes: This is no ordinary bowling alley – the inside is done in a retro motif, with two floors that feature 30 lanes for bowling, billiards tables, an outdoor patio for dining, live music and dancing, and some amazing eats too – a full bar, and a really diverse menu – sushi, pizza, burgers, and more are available. I don’t know about you – but my bowling experience generally consists of a smoke filled alley with limp pizza and flat beer on the menu – so Splitsville is a huge step up for me – and definitely worth a try

Take In A Movie: Head over to the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Theater, where all the newest movies are playing – and they are serving up some great food too! The “Dine-In” Movie theaters feature the chance to take in dinner and a movie all at once! Choose from items like bang bang shrimp, smoke brisket quesadilla, thai coconut chicken tenders, and much more – all served to you while you enjoy the latest and greatest movies. The theater also has a full bar and concession stand that offers a wide range of delicious snacks to choose from (don’t worry, popcorn and boxed candy are available here too for you “movie theater purists”)

Enjoy A Rainy Day Of Play:Disney Quest is an indoor interactive theme park where you can escape the elements and enjoy games like “Cyber Space Mountain” – where you get to design your own virtual roller coaster, “Animation Academy” – a chance to learn to draw your favorite Disney characters, and a huge selection of classic arcade video games to choose from too – Pac-Man, Centipede, Asteroids – all the best ones are there!

I know many people consider Downtown Disney to mainly just be a place to shop – and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE shopping there, but I also love that Disney really has turned this space into an entertainment complex with tons to do, see and explore! I highly recommend you try out some of the awesome activities offered in Downtown Disney next time you are vacationing at the Place Where Dreams Come True

Guests at Disneyland Park can now enjoy new viewing options for the spectacular nighttime show Fantasmic!

Beginning on Dec. 12, 2014, Fastpasses will be available for the show’s reserved viewing section. Fastpass distribution will take place along Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland. The tickets are first-come, first-served until one hour prior to showtime OR while supplies last. The tickets will have a return time for the assigned show and an assigned viewing area. Non ticketed standby viewing will also be first-come, first-served.

There will be Fantasmic! dining packages available at several restaurants in New Orleans Square. Reservations for these dining packages include Blue Bayou Restaurant, River Belle Terrace, Hungry Bear Restaurant dessert party and Aladdin’s Oasis on-the-go option.

Make your reservations today by calling 714-781-DINE (3463) or the Disneyland.com website.

I’m Stephanie – Disneyland writer for Chip & Co and Premium Annual Passholder, currently living in Arizona. I am a huge Walt Disney fan and entertainment junkie. I am an Independent Travel Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred Travel Agency of Chip & Co. Contact me today for your FREE quote for Disney and other magical destinations at stephanie@worldofmagictravel.com.

The holiday season is once again upon us! The Halloween candy has been eaten (well, the GOOD candy anyway), and the air has a crispness to it that you only find this time of year! Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and if you got put in charge of bringing the dessert to this year’s meal, why not make something special that your guests won’t soon forget? And while you’re at it – why not recreate that amazing dessert from your last Walt Disney World trip? Check out these Disney DIY Dessert Recipes that are perfect for your holiday gathering:

This deliciously moist cake is best served warm and a la mode – which is exactly how you get it when it’s served at Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving – as it incorporates two classic tastes of the holiday – apple and cranberry, plus – it’s super easy to make!

Pie is pretty much a “must-have” Thanksgiving dessert, and there’s always the standard apple and pumpkin, but why not try this caramel apple version to change things up a bit? This dish is served at Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort – a place where raucous antics are always on the menu (as well as delicious meals and desserts like this one!)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat the bottom and inside of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
At medium-low speed, beat the flour and the dough until combined.
Press the sugar cookie dough into sides and bottom of pan, creating a 1/4-inch thick crust.
In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with sugar, flour, ginger and cinnamon. Spoon into prepared crust.
Spoon on caramel topping.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake one hour.
While pie is baking, in a mixing bowl at low speed, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Increase speed to medium; gradually add butter and vanilla, beating until wet crumbs form.
After pie has baked for one hour, remove from oven and uncover.
Sprinkle crumb mixture over top of warm pie.
Cover exposed edges of crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool on rack and remove sides from the pan.
Stir together the confectioners’ sugar with enough water to make icing.
Transfer to a plastic food storage bag, snip one corner, and drizzle over crumbs.
Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Hopefully these mouth-watering desserts will find a place on your Thanksgiving table – and if you want more ideas, there are plenty more available in the assorted Disney cookbooks available online (via the Disney store website, Amazon, or Ebay). I don’t know about you, but I have a LOT to be thankful for this year – an amazing family, health, happiness, and of course I am thankful for Walt Disney World and all the joy it brings to my life each and every day!

Opening December 18th in the old Kouzzina location at Disney’s Boardwalk is Trattoria al Forno. The spacious, family-friendly dining room is inspired by farms in the Italian countryside, with a big open kitchen and the smell of wood burning in the oven. It’s a terrific spot to fuel up for a day in the theme parks.

“Fresh ingredients are key,” says Chef Dee Foundoukis. You can get a classic American breakfast with bacon and eggs, but we wanted to offer some Italian tastes, too.” Like the frittata and the scrambled eggs with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.